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Is Amenorrhoea A Side Effect Of Cipralex?
Hello, I m a resident of Ob/gyn. Can you help me with a case in my duty yesterday? A woman in her 30 s is taking Rigevidon (combined OHC) for 4 years. During this time she had normal withdrawal bleedings. 4 months ago she started taking antidepressants (Cipralex - escitalopram). Since then she is practically amenorrhoic, maybe few drops of blood. She is not pregnant - checked that. Physical exam an US were normal. In literature and on-line I couldn t find any useful information about Cipralex and amenorrhea as side effect or about possible interaction between Cipralex and OHC. I concluded it may be psychogenic, but still I m curious. Thank you for your help. Regards
Thu, 31 Dec 2020
Hi,
Cipralex contains escitalopram which belongs to the group of antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is used to treat depression and other mental health conditions like anxiety, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants like Cipralex may affect the menstrual cycle, leading to amenorrhoea. Researchers have found that some women who take anti-depressants have the effect of menstrual disorders like painful cramps, heavy bleeding or even missed periods as side effects.
SSRIs like Cipralex can cause high levels of a hormone called prolactin to be released. High prolactin levels inhibit the release of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) from the ovaries that stops the ovaries from releasing eggs and menstruation doesn't occur. Cipralex and other antidepressants won't mess with your birth control pills like Rigevidon or any other birth control method. In this case, your birth control pills like Rigevidon should work just fine while using Cipralex.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician
Cipralex contains escitalopram which belongs to the group of antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is used to treat depression and other mental health conditions like anxiety, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Antidepressants like Cipralex may affect the menstrual cycle, leading to amenorrhoea. Researchers have found that some women who take anti-depressants have the effect of menstrual disorders like painful cramps, heavy bleeding or even missed periods as side effects.
SSRIs like Cipralex can cause high levels of a hormone called prolactin to be released. High prolactin levels inhibit the release of follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) from the ovaries that stops the ovaries from releasing eggs and menstruation doesn't occur. Cipralex and other antidepressants won't mess with your birth control pills like Rigevidon or any other birth control method. In this case, your birth control pills like Rigevidon should work just fine while using Cipralex.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician
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